BLOGWORDS – Wednesday 23 September 2026 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – MAGIC CITY MURDER by BRUCE HAMMACK

BLOGWORDS – Wednesday 23 September 2026 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – MAGIC CITY MURDER by BRUCE HAMMACK

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY - BOOK REVIEW – MAGIC CITY MURDER By BRUCE HAMMACK

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Magic City Murder by Bruce Hammack, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

 

 

THE BOOK

Title: Magic City Murder
Series: Smiley and McBlythe Mystery Series #16
Author: Bruce Hammack
Publisher: Jubilee Publishing
Release Date: August 6, 2026
Genre: Mystery / Private Detective

 

THE BLURB

A missing husband. A murdered journalist. A city where everyone has something to hide.

Blind former Houston homicide detective Steve Smiley and his partner Heather McBlythe take on what looks like a straightforward case: track down a missing husband so his estranged wife can finally file for divorce.

The simple case turns deadly when the body of the woman the husband has been living with is found in a Miami canal. She wasn't just the missing man's companion — she was an investigative journalist silenced before her story could see the light of day.

As Smiley and McBlythe dig deeper, they uncover a trail of political corruption and cartel money that someone powerful is determined to keep hidden. With a growing list of suspects, a city full of secrets, and a killer working in the shadows, Smiley must sort through the tangle of lies before whoever is cleaning up loose ends decides he's next.

 

Pick up your copy of Magic City Murder today and follow Smiley and McBlythe from Houston to Miami as they chase down a missing husband and a killer who's running out of places to hide. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie-style whodunits who love clever plots, professional detective work, and clean reads without the gore, violence, or explicit content.

 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | BruceHammack.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

MORE IN THIS SERIES

 

THE AUTHOR

Bruce Hammack, a native Texan, began his professional writing career in the tenth grade when the local Rotary Club sponsored a writing contest for students in civics class. To the amazement of students and teachers alike, he won the prize of a twenty-five-dollar savings bond.

After retiring from a career in criminal justice, Bruce picked up the proverbial pen again. He now draws on his extensive background with law enforcement (and criminals) to write contemporary, clean read detective and crime mysteries.

An avid Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes fan, Bruce firmly believes the world can’t have enough whodunits. When not writing, he enjoys travel, classic whodunits and a quiver full of children and grandchildren. Having lived in eighteen cities around the US and the world, he now makes his home in the Texas Hill Country with his wife of thirty-plus years.

Connect with Bruce by visiting brucehammack.com to follow him on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

 

MY REVIEW

This reader’s first Smiley and McBlythe story, and first book by this author. And I gotta say, it was a fun read. For a murder mystery, anyway. Mr. Hammack mixes ever-building suspense with some rather cheeky dialogue.

It’s that suspense that gives this story its edge. Razor sharp edge. A tight rope of suspicions and a variety of suspects. Throw in the investigative reporting, some politics, and a nasty cartel, and it makes for a mystery that demands the reader’s attention.

In the midst of the murder investigation, I came to appreciate the characters, and look forward to reading more of their stories. Definitely a winner in my book.

 

 

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

THREE FEATHERS

 

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

 

 

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(3) winners will each receive a signed paperback copy of Magic City Murder, a Smiley and McBlythe bookmark, a Reading Log, and book lover stickers!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 23, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 30, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

ENTER GIVEAWAY

 

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

 

 

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Magic City Murder, Bruce Hammack, Smiley and McBlythe Mystery Series Book 16, JustRead Publicity